Innovative Minds: Danielle Steinbach

Harker Middle School | 7th grade | 12 years old

Improving Brain Disease Outcomes

About the Idea

Danielle used deep neural networks to more accurately diagnose and treat neurological disorders and brain diseases.

Why did you enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

I wanted to explore the intersection between the human brain and its counterpart, the computer. I also aspire to enter the medical field, a subfield of science, so this challenge was a fantastic opportunity to integrate myself more into the world of brain computer interfaces and how they can be applied in early diagnosis and treatment.

What is your favorite invention of the last 100 years, and why?

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. The MRI scan is my favorite invention because it allows researchers to peer into the human body while it is still functioning and active, without any negative consequences exhibited by the patient. However, not only the function of the MRI scan is incredible, the machinery behind it is also fascinating. MRI scans use only magnetic fields to map the most complex organ in the universe the brain within minutes.

In 15 years I hope to be...

starting surgical residency before I specialize in neurosurgery.